may be prevented
in a moment. What is it you doubt?--May I perish eternally, if your
will shall not be a law to me in every thing! All my relations expect
you.--Next Wednesday!--Dearest creature! think of next Wednesday!--And
to what is it I urge you, but to take a step that sooner than any other
will reconcile you to all whom you have most reason to value in your
family?

Let my judge for myself, Sir. Do not you, who blame my friends for
endeavouring to compel me, yourself seek to compel. I won't bear it.
Your earnestness gives me greater apprehensions, and greater reluctance.
Let me go back, then--let me, before it is too late, go back, that it
may not be worse for both--What mean you by this forcible treatment? Is
it thus that I am to judge of the entire submission to my will which you
have so often vowed?--Unhand me this moment, or I will cry out for help.

I will obey you, my dearest creature!--And quitted my hand with a look
full of tender despondency, that, knowing the violence of his temper,
half-concerned me for him. Yet I was hastening from him, when, with a
solemn air, looking upon his sword, but catching, as it were, his hand
from it, he folded both his arms, as if a sudden thought had recovered
him from an intended rashness.

Stay, one moment--but one moment stay, O best beloved of my soul!--Your
retreat is secure, if you will go: the key lies at the door.--But,
O Madam, next Wednesday, and you are Mr. Solmes's!--Fly me not so
eagerly--hear me but a few words.

When near the garden-door, I stopped; and was the more satisfied, as
I saw the key there, by which I could let myself in again at pleasure.
But, being uneasy lest I should be missed, I told him, I could stay
no longer. I had already staid too long. I would write to him all my
reasons. And depend upon it, Mr. Lovelace, said I [just upon the point
of stooping for the key, in order to return] I will die, rather than
have that man. You know what I have promised, if I find myself in
danger.

One word, Madam, however; one word more [approaching me, his arms still
folded, as if, I thought, he would not be tempted to mischief]. Remember
only, that I come at your appointment, to redeem you, at the hazard of
my life, from your gaolers and persecutors, with a resolution, God is
my witness, or may he for ever blast me! [that was his shocking
imprecation] to be a father, uncle, brother, and, as I humbly hoped, in
your own good time, a husband to you, all in